by Sara Nagi
Staff Writer

Every other year, several Shoreline Community College students attend a two-week trip to Jamaica and are able to earn credit for it.

Lori Mandell, a former student at SCC went to Jamaica in June, 2005. She recalls being a bit anxious when she first walked into a classroom with Jamaican students.

“I remember being very nervous because I had little experience with children," Mandell said. "I remember the students being very excited to meet us as well."

Aside from the academic credit that is given, the trip also gave Mandell a better understanding of issues facing countries outside the US.

“I was told before going to Jamaica, that there would be no electricity where we were going to stay," Mandell said. "Even though I was prepared, I still was surprised at how well Jamaicans live without some of the things we call 'necessities,' such as warm water, a washing machine, and television.”

Each day was a different adventure that lead the students either up a mountain, or around the city...(?) to witness the happenings of daily life for Jamaicans.

“On one of the last days of our trip, some of the students and myself hiked to the highest peak of the Blue Mountains." Mandell said. "Kingston also really stood out in my mind."

Kingston, Jamaica, the island nation's capital, is a huge city with many outdoor markets featuring interesting produce and other random things for sale.

One issue that always arises when deciding whether or not to study abroad is the money. Fortunately, students such as Mandell were able to rely on Shoreline. “SCC granted me a scholarship for $500. All I had to do was complete a couple of essay questions," Mandell said. "SCC is wonderful with helping students in financial need.”

Even with the college's help, studying abroad is a fairly expensive proposition. Mandell believes the experience is well worth it.

"It’s a small price to pay for the vast culture you’re immersed in," she said. “We were lucky enough to see a Rasta ceremony where there were about a hundred Rasta's dancing and chanting. I may have never seen that, had I not been in Jamaica."

The program is open to all who attend SCC. Students can direct any questions they might have to Bob Thompson, Shoreline's director of study abroad programs (title?). Thompson holds informational sessions to prepare students for the trip.

As for Mandell, she walked away from this trip learning a lot more about herself than she could’ve ever imagined.

“I had very little experience with children before Jamaica and now I am studying Education," she said. "As soon as I came back from Jamaica I quit my corporate job and began working with children full time."